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Academic Model: The Freedom Writers Method

The Freedom Writers Foundation, through the Freedom Writers Institute For Teachers, offers a professional development curriculum to train and support teachers of at-risk middle and high school students by providing Freedom Writers Method-based lesson plans that can be used in classrooms, regardless of age, academic ability or socioeconomic level. Research shows that of all the educational resources devoted to helping students learn, teachers matter most—and that the professional development of teachers improves the academic experience of students.

The Freedom Writers Method is fundamentally built upon a student-centered learning model based on "internal motivation." Students who are internally motivated inherently feel a sense of choice in the classroom and are more likely to achieve academic success. Teachers who support internal motivation listen to their students, engage their interests, encourage questions and allow their students flexibility in problem solving. The Freedom Writers Method finds ways to make lessons speak to the student's experiences and tap into their talents. It is grounded in an educational philosophy that promotes tolerance and encourages students to rethink their beliefs about themselves, find productive means of self expression and see school as a place where they can feel valued and validated.

The Freedom Writers Method encourages educators to:

1. Believe in their students
2. Break down comfort zones
3. Establish a safe environment
4. Validate prior knowledge
5. Motivated their students
6. Encourage collaboration
7. Teach tolerance
8. Promote diversity
9. Create community
10. Build bridges
11. Expect accountability
12. Celebrate success